After 100 days out, the Phillies finally got back into first place, winning 3 out of 4 against the Marlins, while the Braves struggled with the lowly Pirates. However, despite the way some folks are acting, a post-season spot, while likely, is not guaranteed. The Phils are only 1 game ahead of the Braves, and only 2 ahead of the Giants. At this point last year, we held a 6.5 game lead over the Marlins for the division lead.
2010: 81-60
2009: 81-60
2008: 77-64
2007: 74-67
The Good News
- With 5 HR and 13 RBI in the last 10 games, we might finally be seeing the August/September Ryan Howard we are used to. Here’s hoping he can ruin Car-Go’s triple crown bid.
- Victorino has really stepped up his offensive game (finally) in September. 14 for 36 (.389), 9 runs and 7 steals.
- Did anyone think that on May 1st, after 5 starts and a 5.28 ERA, that Cole Hamels would end up having a season comparable to 2008? In his 24 starts since, he has a 2.63 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. He is on pace to set single-season career highs in ERA and K’s.
- I guess Madson really feels bad about kicking that chair, huh? He’s on pace for a career low ERA and WHIP and career high in K/9. His 11.63 K/9 would be the 2nd best in Phillies history for a reliever (Lidge, 2008). Madson is already 5th all-time in Phillies history for career IP by a reliever (Ron Reed, Tug McGraw, Jim Konstanty, Turk Farrell).
- Vance Worley looked good enough in his first start that I would give him another against the Mets. He’s similar to Kendrick in that he doesn’t have a dominant pitch, but he can certainly strike out more guys than KK can. I think he would be more consistent, but only a hair better overall.
The Bad News
- Polanco has been playing with, and will be playing the rest of the year with, a broken elbow.
- Right as Lidge seems to be earning our trust back, he has ominous elbow pain.
- Our lack of a reliable lefty reliever is troubling to me right now. Romero can be great, but his 7.3 BB/9 is laughable. Bastardo hasn’t had enough time up here to get fully comfortable and is having control problems as well with a 5.3 BB/9. Might be a problem come playoff time. Especially with McCann and Heyward on the Braves.
Prospect Update
The season is over except for Lakewood, who is in the playoffs. In the opening game, they won 7-0 behind Trevor May, who went 6.2 IP, allowing 0 runs, 4 hits, 1 BB, and 13 strikeouts, all swinging. Sebastian Valle and Jonathan Singleton each had a solo HR.
Series Preview: Phillies at Mets
Friday (7:10): Halladay vs. RHP Jenrry Mejia (0-3, 3.86 ERA)
Saturday (4:10): TBD vs. RHP Mike Pelfrey (13-9, 3.96 ERA)
Sunday (1:10): Oswalt vs. LHP Jon Niese (9-7, 3.85 ERA)
3 Questions for the Series
- Who starts Saturday?
- Will we see Rollins?
- Will we see Lidge?
Series Prediction
Pretty obvious that the Phillies should take at least 2 of 3 against the Mets, maybe even sweep. It would certainly be a good time to do that with the Braves facing Cardinals, the Giants facing the Padres and the Rockies facing the Reds. We can will all 3 and watch the rest of the playoff contenders beat each other down.
In our series, I’m curious to see what Jenrry Mejia looks like. To me, it seems like the Mets have rushed him through the minors. He’s 20, and has great stuff, but isn’t nearly refined enough to be pitching as a starter right now. But who knows, he could dazzle us, he’s a lot better than that Marlins’ guy who dominated us on Monday.
Phils take 2 of 3.
College Football Bonus Predictions!!!
Alabama 24, Penn State 6
Miami 21, Ohio State 20
Oklahoma 17, Florida St 10
Notre Dame 42, Michigan 35
Quite a day for a bachelor party…
The Mets really are a train wreck of a franchise. It has been one thing after another with them during this Wilpon-Minaya era. The latest is the flap over Beltran, Castillo, and Perez not going to Walter Reed with the rest of the team. It just can’t be a good atmosphere around that club and in that clubhouse, and that has to be at least partially responsible for the seasons they’ve been having recently.
As for this series I’d say we have a good shot at winning some games if we score some runs. We are 2-4 at CitiField this season, having been shut out in each of the 4 losses.
Mejia went 5 innings and threw 96 pitches his last time out against the Cubs, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks, so I would hope we could hit him.
Pelfrey has thrown pretty well against us in two starts at CitiField this year. He threw 7 innings in one of the shut outs in the first game, and he went 7 innings and allowed 3 runs in the second one. We hit him hard at CBP earlier in the year (6 runs on 8 hits and 1 walk over 4 innings), and because of who we will be sending to the mound we will probably need to do the same to get a win against him tomorrow.
We haven’t done much against Niese in two starts (14 IP, 14K, 8 hits, 6 BB, and only 2 runs), both of which were at CBP, so I’m a bit concerned about facing him at CitiField. He has been hit pretty hard in each of his last three starts, however, which include 7 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks over 5 2/3 against the Marlins, 8 runs (3 earned) on 10 hits and 2 walks over 4 2/3 against the Braves, and 5 runs on 8 hits and 3 walks over 6 innings against the Cubs, so I’ll be optimistic and say we will continue the trend.
Polanco has been playing with a broken elbow?? no way!!
But it was just a bruise, I believe the term the Phillies used was contusion. A bruised elbow. ‘Oh Polly’s elbow is just sore…give him some time on the DL and some shots’.
Well Polanco has been in mini funk lately. Has been striking out a lot more and doesnt seem to swing well at the hard stuff. seems like he has much less control of his swing. Its not conjecturing to suggest that the elbow is beginning to manifest lately and it will only go downhill from here on.
hope it doesnt affect his fielding, he was never a power hitter so the singles will still be there.
commendable effort. never once whined about it.
From ESPN
Some Mets news:
Johan Santana has suffered a tear of the anterior capsule of the left shoulder and will have season-ending surgery in the near future, the Mets announced on Friday.
“We anticipate he will be able to resume throwing in the spring,” the team said in a statement.
Santana will get a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews early next week.
No surgery date has been set. Santana says he’ll be able to play catch in January, but does not know if he’ll be ready to pitch by Opening Day.
And some non-surprising Phillies news:
Jimmy Rollins is out of the lineup with tightness in his right hamstring and may miss a couple of games while recuperating.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel indicated Rollins may not start Saturday, either. There is a chance the three-time All-Star could play Sunday.
Nothing about Lidge, but Baez has been activated from the 15-day DL. (whoo-hoo!)
Also, CSN Philly says that Kendrick is getting the start tomorrow.
boooo on Kendrick.
McCarthy just said Polanco has a bone spur and the writer misinterpreted him.
Man, Valdez almost did it again (GIDP). Lucky for him we got a run there.
Ruiz does so many things right.
b.ski: you sound surprised. i mean he doesnt try to do it. his swing is just tailored for the ground ball. he punishes the earth with the ball.
Ruiz does so many things right.>>
With a tip of the hat to the first base coach.
That was the insurrance run.
Can’t see Cincy having a better record than the Phillies despite their easy schedule. They’re too young; Votto and Rolen haven’t been producing, and their staff is not that strong.
Keep in mind, this is on an extra day’s rest. And I don’t think it has anything to be out of rhythm from the extra day.
Giid mentality by Kendrick on tomorrow’s assignment.
Kendrick: “It wasn’t like I was excited like a little kid. I expected to start. That’s who I am. I’m going to go out and win a game.”
hey, if you can’t pitch, at least hit. how bout that?
Yes, Halladay turns the tables on Mejia, only his hit drove in 2 runs.
How nice to get those 3 runs right back.
jkay,
per the last thread, in reply, I don’t think the Padres will resume playing well. That’s why I think the other 2 pass them and the wild card’s from the West.
So now I’ve thought Central, and West.
So you know where it’s gonna come from based on that.
…plus another one (oops).
If it’s not a close game, I wonder if Lidge might still get an inning to test the elbow.
KB: its just hard to believe a team that has been good for so long can just fold suddenly.
oh well there’s the 07 Mets.
boy, that is defense. Way to keep the head in the game when you don’t play much of late. Outstanding work.
Needed that. Halladay has been hit around a bit tonight.
I don’t know if fold is the right word. I just think they have a tough schedulem and the changes the Giants have made have improved them, and Colorado is in it’s time of the year. Not to mention I could be wrong.
We’ll see how it plays out.
Latos and Lincecum is Sunday night.
Don’t know if you caught any of the game last night, but it was like us at Washington. A lot of Giant fans in San Diego. That has to bother the Padres whether they say so publicly or not, because Latos and Bell have spoke to it previously.
There’s still a lot of games to be played. If St. L does a number on the Braves, they would e back in the hunt. Interesting that they play the Rockies at the end of the season in St. Louis
that trivia question, retired Mets numbers seems to easy. I’d say Hodges, Seaver and Stengel.
Just can’t think of any other players they have so honored.
San Diego is an awful sports town…barely drawing 20K and a good portion are out of towners.
I think the Cardinals are shot. No matter how they do against the Braves. Not to say they couldn’t regain life, but for now, I’m not factoring them in.
yeah dino. and same with braves games. you should go see some highlights when they play the cardinals, well at least yesterday. it looked like a tampa bay game when someone hit a home run
I’m not picking on these bash the other cities fans, but it seems to me like maybe we oughta just be grateful that the Phils have a rabid fan base at this point in time. I mean they could draw better, but some of these towns don’t seem too intrested in building a multi year contender, and just because they get hot, it doesn’t mean everyone should go to the bank and withdraw their precious bucks in this troubled economy.
Polanco hurting after that 4-6-5-2-5 double play. Had to dive on his bad (but not broken) elbow. >>
Anyone notice that, I didn’t catch that detail. That was the Valdez gem.
Guess nobody disagreed with my comment about the other cities. It was just my view. Guess I saved the other lousy baseball towns some criticism.
lol Utley is a ridiculous pull hitter.
they should shift him more than they do Howard.
just got home a little while ago. i do wonder why teams like SD, ATL and even CIN don’t sell out every game even though they are some of the best teams in the NL where the Dodgers get close to sellouts all the time. I’m glad the Phils are getting all these sellouts
another intentional walk to get to Chooch..not a good idea..
Wow – as I digest the month and Pete’s Hamels numbers posted above it has occurred to me that suddenly Hamels is the best starter on this team. He has morphed into a true Ace. I criticized him early in the year for not putting it together and he has done just that. How lucky are we – Halladay is currently the 3rd best starter on our team. How many teams in the league could say that? And Halladay hasn’t been horrible, just sporting about a 3.4 to 4 ERA over the last 5 starts. Some teams that is Ace stuff.
Which brings me to another intriguing thought. As late as 2 weeks ago I would have said that we have an obvious starting rotation in the playoffs of Doc, Oz, and then Hamels. But if Hamels conitues to pitch at an ERA under 2 the rest of the year and Doc at a 3.5 ear pace it may get Charlie thinking. The further complicate matters, in terms of payoff sucess alone, the order would be Hamels, Oz, and Doc, which is about the level at which they are pitching right now in terms of effectiveness. My gut tells me that Halladay will have to really blow up to lose the opening start but Hamels may have gained the second start.
In any case, it is scarey to think how good this pitching staff will be the rest of this year and next if HAmels has matured into the true Ace. They put us even money with the Yanks at worst and favored over every other team in the league.
Worley >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> KK
phillyfan, thats why i haven’t stopped believing in this team. with good pitching, you can go anywhere in this league, and getting Oswalt only made us the best team in the NL. am i the only one who thinks we’re gonna win the whole thing this year?
seeing a lot of fans disguised as seats tonight in Citi Field
Atlanta showing some real sac against Carpenter. Would have been nice to gain another game. I am not buying for a second that the division has to come down to the last series in Atlanta. I think there is a great chance we run away and hide and are ahead by 4+ games going into that series.
I will be at all 3 games in Wash starting Sept 27 and I am looking for the phils to pretty much put away the division during that series.
This is the same team, minus some key figures along the way that couldm’t score at Citi to save its life earlier this year.
I don’t know why everyone thought Hamels sucked just cus of 09. Its no supprise to me he is pitching this good. If you look at his number, you’ll see that he was a victim of bad luck. Not everything was bad luck but I think a lot had to do with it. His 09 and 08 FIP, xFIP, K/9, BB/9 and HR/9 were basically all the same.
This is where our lack of depth in the pen really hurts…It would have been nice 2 take Roy out now -he was at 90 pitches…he’ll go over 100 again for sure
Brandon, I have been hear all year singing the Phils praises. This is a very special group. There is no better team in baseball at this moment. I am more worried about the opening short series than I am the World Series. With Doc, Oz, and Hamels and this offense clicking again, nobody beats us 4 of 7. The shorter the series the more luck comes into to play…and Chollie says, “alot of baseball is luck.”
If Hamels record was like – - 16-10, he would probably get some cy votes.
@Ruben: exactly! everyone just looks at the W-L and the ERA.
200K’s for the best pitcher in baseball
This is the same team, minus some key figures along the way that couldm’t score at Citi to save its life earlier this year.>>
But its September – makes all the difference n the world.
what’s your guy’s favorite Philly sports blog? I like The Good Phight and the 700 Level
I continue to operate under the assumption that Lidge gets an inning tonight. If not, my thinking will be the same. I’d like to see him pitch well, that’d be the first sign of no elbow problems. Be it tonight, Saturday, maye Sunday, the key I’m looking for is for him to do that twice in a row. I could care less about the post game quotes, the key will be 2 good appearances in a row. We know ahead o time he’ll say he’s fine in the press.
I don’t know why everyone thought Hamels sucked just cus of 09. >>
I don’t know anyone who thought he sucked. The question was whether he had the mind, body, and heart (work ethic) to develop into a #1 Ace. I would say he has answered that question, To the point where he is the next big contract the team should hand out. He was always a solid 2 guy which isn’t bad.
I don’t know anyone who thought he sucked. >>
Personally, I know alot of people that thought he sucked. Most of the press in the city was making him seem bad until the end of the season and there are a lot of people that think the 2008 Hamels is “back” after being MIA last year. My dad also thought he sucked but he doesnt look into the deep intricate stats
This is where our lack of depth in the pen really hurts…It would have been nice 2 take Roy out now -he was at 90 pitches…he’ll go over 100 again for sure>>
I don’t see where depth has anything to do with it. Baez, Contreras, Bastardo, all could use some work. It’s just Charlie’s choice the way I look at it. I’d rather hear his thinking on why he’s got Doc in before going off on him for what does seem wrong.
Finally-110 pitches
pitch counts dont matter. there, i said it
jkay, you there?
who you give the 9th to?
I think Charlie thinks the pitches could do him good. He hasn’t thrown alot of pitched in awhile. Doc seems in a rythm since the 3rd and I think Charlie thinks that getting his rythm back is more important than limiting pitch count.
who you give the 9th to?>>
Not Nate Robertson
>>
pitch counts dont matter. there, i said it…
remember in may when everyone was talking when halladay threw over 115 pitches 5 consecutive starts and got everybody talking? pitch counts do matter. there, i said it…
He has no faith in Bastardo and Baez-who would ? No way, I’d want to see them in there tonight!!!!!!! Charlie’s not innocent here, but he has a lot of garbage in the pen especially before the 8th inning
cards trying to rally back
if he makes pitches in low-stress situations, no men on, only one man on etc, then pitch counts dont matter much. what ever happened to the time when a pticher threw complete games every time out?
if he makes pitches in low-stress situations, no men on, only one man on etc, then pitch counts dont matter much. what ever happened to the time when a pticher threw complete games every time out?
that was like 20-30 years ago. nolan ryan is trying to develop rangers pitchers in the minor leagues into these. they are the only team doing this so it will be interesting to see in a few years how the pitchers fare
Times have changed; pitchers in the minors are not “trained” to pitch complete games; season is much longer also. Relievers have become more prominent also.
He has no faith in Bastardo and Baez>>
That’s true, I can see not using them. He does when he sees need, and jut about only then anymore. But that he’s pitching Romero to start the 9th (which I expect him to do continues to suggest he believes he’ll need him. Which isn’t a revelation since he’s the only lefty down there. that, he needs.
well i for one (apparently one of few) who is not very worried about Halladay’s huge amount of innings pitched and pitch counts.
BS Fransisco Cordero. 3-3 Bucs-Reds B9. 2 for the Bucs in T9.
And now he’s going to Madson AGAIN in the 8th…weren’t you the one who was so concerned ( rightfully so) about overusing him ?
Reds have a weak staff, and Dusty doesn’t use his staff well either
again brandon, do you remember that time when charlie admitted he kept him in the game for too long in may? as a result, his era was in the 3.5-4 range during that time period if i am not mistaken. also, earlier in doc’s career, halladay pitched 266 innings in 2003, then got cut back to 133 in 04. do not be shocked if next year he has a season similar to hamels in 2009.
hamel’s 2009 season was good, his peripheral nubmers were skewed by his bad luck (BABIP). you can say thats a fluke and whatever but it really has a big impact on ERA and W-L. xFIP is a better standard than ERA
Gelb is on top of this all the way.
Mind you, Ryan Madson has thrown the most innings of any reliever in the National League since July 26. less than a minute ago via TweetDeck
Ryan Madson is pitching the ninth inning of an 8-4 game. 1 minute ago via TweetDeck
From here on out, we will call this The Nate Robertson Effect. 20 minutes ago via TweetDeck
If you thought Nate Robertson hurt the Phillies for only one game, well think again. 27 minutes ago via TweetDeck
if you look at the tape, his fastball was nothing in 09 compared to 10. also, he consistently had bad location, not to mention he added a cutter and has thrown the curve-ball more this year, probably because he is more healthy
no faith in Contreras either
no faith in Contreras either>>
I suspect he’ll need him. This can’t last another 22-23 games let alone post season. Jose’s had some great stretches this year, but Chrlie uses him less and less.
Cole sucked in the post season last year
don’t expect the Colorado train to stop tonight. 8-1 early.
is Madson the only reliever thats good enough nowadays?
as long as they’re playing at home, they’re really good
tonight was a perfect time to use Contreras IF he had faith in him
chan ho park pitching the bottom of the 10th for the pirates vs the reds
Yikes, a little worried about the overuse of Halladay and Madson tonight.
Check out the twitter feed for a good trivia question.
Hehe…demanded to be a starter, gets released by the Yanks, and now a secondary reliever, making 1.2 mil, with one of the worst teams in baseball…Classic
The Orioles signed him first, is the answer posted? no idea who rejected him.
The Phillies? If so, wow.
St. Louis broadcast is a riot. text poll: who should win the NL CY? Choices: Carpenter, Jimenez, Wainwright, Other. Waino gets 77%.
fair point…
“That’s the double standard,” the Rockies pitching coach said Thursday. “They’re trying to diminish what CarGo is doing, but they don’t want to give the credit to Ubaldo for the tremendous season that he’s having pitching here in Coors Field.
I guess advance scouts are at work already for post season matchup possibilities. I wonder what sort of scouting report you compile on Jonatahn Sanchez tonight.
5 innings, 1 hit, and 7 walks.
take, take and more take?
And what is up with San Diego, unable to capitalize on such pitching. Ridiculous results.
I don’t get the relationship to Robertson. Charlie left him in way too long.
Tonight it’s about using Contreras instead of Madson , and monitoring Halladay’s pitch count. The issue(s) are: the failure of the organization to get more quality guys for the pen, and 2) Manuel beating up his best horses.
8 games against Mutts, Fish, and Nats before facing Atlanta. Would like to see them win 7 which would probably give us a 3 game lead going into the Atlanta series.
Kyle Kendrick, seldom a quality MLB pitcher to begin with, has not pitched well his last few starts.
Vance Worley, short of impressive, but pretty decent in his 1 2010 MLB effort, and on perfect rest to go today clearly is the people’s choice.
But the one guy making the decision, a man who confidently goes by his own book, has an inside track on all the people.
Charlie, above all is a people person. Positive attitude driven, my guess is he still likes the attitude conveyed by Kendrick despite recent struggles, and I mean struggles, and that, perhaps coupled with pitching well in his last Citi start is probably at the root of today’s starting pitcher choice. None of us are close enough to know where KK’s head is at. This may or may not prove to be more fuel for the is Charlie smart, or leading the charmed life discussion. But his repeated history, though not perfect, of making a lot more choices that work than not takes me out of any second guessing in this instance. And as its still first guess time, I have enough confidence in Charlie to guess that for whatever reason, this winds up a successful choice. Said, of course, ith my fingers crossed.
“Basically, it came down to the fact he won here last time and he pitched OK,” the Phils’ manager said. “He pitched pretty good.”
That pretty much sums up the reasoning behind giving Kendrick the start today. Well, I guess that combined with Worley’s start against the Marlins making Manuel and Dubee think that he most likely wouldn’t do any better than Kendrick might today, leading them to choose the guy with more MLB experience. So it has more to do with a lack of options than anything else. Really, that’s why Kendrick has been starting regularly for the past 7 weeks or so.
Remember, we had had enough of Kendrick to the point where he was demoted to AAA on July 20th after being pounded by the Cardinals. The only reason he was brought right back up a couple days later was because Amaro did not complete the deal for Oswalt when he thought he was going to that week. And the only reason Kendrick has remained in the rotation is because Moyer got hurt, Happ replaced him, and then Happ was traded for Oswalt which left an opening.
I don’t mean to beat on Kendrick. He is what he is. It’s just that this entire season has seen an endless string of pointed quotes from Manuel and Dubee about what Kendrick is not doing, what he needs to do, and how frustrated they are with him. They best they can do is be indifferent about him, as indicated by the quote at the top of this post.
To his credit, when Kendrick made his next start after being recalled, on July 24th against the Rockies, he threw a good game, going 7 innings and allowing only 1 run on 6 hits and 1 walk, picking up a win in the process. Hopefully we can get something along those lines today, but I am glad that we only need a 5th starter two more times the rest of the way because I just don’t expect to get much of anything from him anymore.
Keith Law wrote an article today about how “stacked” Lakewood is. For insider’s only.
Two comments from the Post: I didn’t know Madsen has pitched his way into the top 5 all time as a reliever. I didn’t realize that he’s even been around long enough. Hamels has really turned himself around. I think he’s the most exciting pitcher I’ve ever seen wearing the red pinstripes. His curve and changeup are so much fun to watch.
An additional comment on Rollins: I am glad the phils value loyalty. I hope he stays too, but just think he’s more of a 6 hole hitter and a defensive gem then the focal point of the offense.
And an additional comment on the pitching: Do you guys think the phills will delay hamels next start so he can open up againt Atlanta on an extra days rest? Halladay (with an extra days rest) and oswalt can line up for game 2 and 3. I’m wondering if ppl value matchups and rest or maximum outings and order etc.
One final comment on innings pitched and fatigue: I think it’s common sense that overworking a person can have later consequences. The fatc that minor leagues dont focus on complete games as much is notable. The fact that teams even have extensive bullpens for the sake of replacing pitchers is notable. I am a fan of having ppl at full capacity for long periods of time rather then overusing them for short periods of time. if it were up to me I might start both Worely and KK just a few times just to make sure the first 3 are ready for the “must wins”, playoffs and next few yrs. I also belive we may find ourself a new 5th starter, or just a player that catches a little fire. If I’m not mistaken, both Happ and KK became contributors after they were needed as “stopbacks”.
Here’s a link today’s philly.com’s prospect . I’ve noticed a few articles on this subject in the last few days. http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20100911_Phils__farm_still_brimming_with_prospects.html
If anyone had read the insider article can you touch on any areas that this article may not have touched on?
Do you guys think the Phils will delay Hamels next start so he can open up againt Atlanta on an extra days rest?>>
Sure. I think they’ve been shooting toward that for a while now. And they’ll do it again for the final 3 games if need be.
Kendrick is at best a long reliever. He does not deserve to be a starter - even for a losing team like the Pirates, Kendrick would probably be in the minors.
Obviously, I want the Phils to win, but at the same time I also want KK to get lite up bad. I can’t stand Kendrick.
Kendrick is a fifth starter for any team in MLB. Stop comparing him to the likes of Halladay, Hamels and Oswalt. It is painstakingly obvious that the difference between these three and our FIFTH starter are large. He’s fine.
Stuck watching Gamecast. And the strikezone looks small today. Saw a few pitches to D. Wright that were called balls that are strikes
looked like a weird play on Gamecast. Doubled off of first?
am i the only one here today?….
you should make it so the page automatically updates new comments without having to refresh the page.
When did I ever compare Kendrick to Hamels, Oswalt or Halladay?
i was trying to say that we’ve been spoiled as Phillies fans and that overally, Kendrick is not a bad fifth starter and we can’t expect the same numbers out of Kendrick as we do for the Big Three
*as Phillies fans and that overall
Kendrick has a 5.93 ERA in his last 10 starts.
and a .360 BABIP so yeah, bad luck = bad ERA (Cole Hamels 2009 anyone?)
I hope my math is wrong cus that is an ugly number.
Wow, I cant believe you compared Cole’s 09 to this year Kendrick.
If anything Kendrick has been luck….. He has .290 BABIP.
and a .360 over this recent terrible stretch!!! before this terrible stretch he wasnt that bad. once the BABIP goes back down to 300 he’ll be fine
KK has a high BABIP in this stretch and I will admit, it has been due to luck, but we all know a lot of it has to do with just his stuff. Batters are making contact on 88% on his pitches. With that high percentage, its no surprised his BABIP is this high. He is not just unlucky – its his stuff.
Talk about unlucky - Howard’s hard hit liners getting caught……
Charlie should of kept KK in there. He could of done this by himself while saving the bullpen. haha
For a game that has been an uphill climb all day, it’s amazing how the Mets maintain their ability to cooperate. And they still have to with these 9th inning matchups.
back in 2nd, for now…
I am gonna start a Save Ryan Madson’s Arm movement.
To join in you need to be a Phillies fan. and be in favor of trading Brad Lidge next year. Meetings will commence prior to every Phillies Sunday game; to coincide with the Charlie Manuel Show (the subject of whom we will be stalking and sending threatening letters advocating for Ryan’s emancipation).
Brad hasn’t been bad this year actually.
Brad hasn’t been bad this year actually.>>
So what? His presence on the roster is depriving Ryan Madson of appearances and innings pitched.
Here’s the approximate amount of games left for contenders the rest of the way…
Phils 19
Braves 19
Reds 20
Madson 24
Padres 21
Giants 19
Rockies 20
Since San Diego flirted with public respect just before they dropped back to typical NL contender numbers and are once again considered an attractive playoff draw by many of the fan bases around the League, their game today against San Fransisco might actually draw some attention away from late afternoon NFL games. Latos and Lincecum match up. Latos probably doesn’t need a lot of help, being as his ERA is 0.96 in 4 starts against the Giants, but to be safe, and to be sure he doesn’t get rusty, after he pitches for the Phils today, Madson should fly to San Diego, pitch the 8th for the Pads, and then rejoin the club in Florida. That would enhance the Pads winning, and renew hope that they can offer somebody a less challenging first round opponent. I just hate to see him pitch Monday night and be concerned about rust.
Elsewhere, the Reds honoring Pete Rose last night is one of the least public concious would be big events in MLB annals. Which is kinda good. Pete chose his fate long ago and the story has been old for at least 5 years. But I did find it interesting that he offered some quotes of contrition before running off to a casino obligation. I’m not being sarcastic about that. It just amazes me how he was never able to find a different channel of income that would have enabled Bud Selig to reinstate him to some degree. I guess Pete’s attraction to that life is what it is.
Pete being in the news every year enables you to keep up with him, so hearing he’s 69 years old is not shocking if you rremember his pre rookie spring training 1962 when Mantle dubbed him Charlie Hustle even though so much time has passed. But what will shock you into how fast time flies is tomorrow when Rick Wise celebrates his 65th birthday.
What the heck happened to Loshe since pitching for the Phillies? He went downhill after that. That is disturbing. I really hope he can help the Phillies, as well as his own team, the Cardinals, beat the BRaves!
Will Charlie finally have his starting three in a series against the Braves? That would certainly be a possible nail in the coffin with winning 2 of 3 at least or better yet a sweep!!
In Oswalt we trust!!
Anyone have any insight as to why Brian Bocock was recalled insteqd of Cody Rasmus?
would have been nice to have Brett Myers as our 5th starter, eh?
most incredible sports stat I have EVER heard. Tom Brady has never thrown an interception in the red zone at home IN HIS ENTIRE CAREER.
So practically 2 trips through the lineup, 1-3 have done all the damage. 4-6 had a chane to really bust it open in the first, but all 3 k’s. Berween tem now, 4k’s, 1 RBI single on nice Howard AB, and a meek infield nubber.
Werth has 2 ks. That, as usual is at the crux of the issue. Hard to believe Raul has more ribbies than him.
Josh Johnson unable to throw today due to back, will NOT start Weds. Rest of season still uncertain, but increasingly unlikely. >>
Clark Spencer, MH
I was wondering if everone was in agreement that the phils will (or should) not pursue werth for a large contract.
I get the feeleing common opinion has completely flip flopped. At the start of the yr there seemed to be a movement for him to be retained even after Howard signed his deal.
He’s up 3rd this inning, I’ll tell you what I think after he bats.
http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/ken-davidoff/davidoff-s-baseball-insider-1.2279837?print=true
I don’t know the point of decision on this, but if Rollins misses, say through Tuesday, they might as well DL him and retro it to last Thursday. Give him time to get right for the end of the year. He’d miss about 1 week more than being brought back right away. General reaction was it couldn’t have happened at a wrorse time, which wasn’t right. There’s no good time, but at least it wasn’t early in the first Brave series, or directly affecting post season.
Roy takes the mound this inning with a sub 3 ERA. 2.99.
Next in the club, Cole.
Free Agent Outfielders for 2011
Left fielders
Garret Anderson (39)
Pat Burrell (34)
Carl Crawford (29)
Johnny Damon (37)
Jonny Gomes (30) – $1.75MM club option with a $200K buyout
Gabe Gross (31)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (35)
Bill Hall (31) – $9.25MM club option with a $500K buyout
Willie Harris (33)
Eric Hinske (33)
Reed Johnson (34)
Austin Kearns (31)
Jason Kubel (29) – $5.25MM club option with a $350K buyout
Jason Michaels (35)
Corey Patterson (31)
Scott Podsednik (35) – $2MM mutual option with a $100K buyout
Manny Ramirez (39)
Matt Stairs (43)
Marcus Thames (34)
Randy Winn (37)
Center fielders
Rick Ankiel (31) - $6MM mutual option with a $500K buyout
Willie Bloomquist (33)
Coco Crisp (31) – $5.75MM option with a $575K buyout
David DeJesus (31) – $6MM club option with a $500K buyout
Jim Edmonds (41)
Jody Gerut (33)
Right fielders
Willie Bloomquist (33)
David DeJesus (31) – $6MM club option with a $500K buyout
Gabe Gross (31)
Jose Guillen (35)
Willie Harris (33)
Brad Hawpe (32)
Eric Hinske (33)
Andruw Jones (34)
Gabe Kapler (35)
Austin Kearns (31)
Jason Kubel (29) – $5.25MM club option with a $350K buyout
Xavier Nady (32)
Magglio Ordonez (37) – $15MM club option
Jayson Werth (32)
Randy Winn (37)
is there a team out there that can beat us in a 7 game series?
is there a team out there that can beat us in a 7 game series?>>
Cincy might be able to. That Chapman wild card is powerful to squelch rallies. HFA would help them a lot.
Maybe SF.
Don’t underestimate Minesota if they could somehow bury the Yankee jinx.
Tampa’s pretty good.
Probably not. Probablies don’t give out rings.
why didn’t you mention the Yankees? They have been ESPN’s favorite team all year. The bias on ESPN is too much for me to handle, i gave up on ESPN months ago and just use the internet
Wonder if Roy’s as excited about the shutout possibility as I am. We get to see so few of these anymore.
He’d be 12-13 overall, Cole at 10-10, and a combined ERA of just over 3. Never would expect that.
That is sweetness. How long has it been since Roy O got the big doughnut. Great, great work.
I didn’t include the Yankees for an obvious reason. I don’t think they beat the Phillies. Missing 2 professional hitters (Johnny and Hidecki) , starting pitching is okay, but shaky, bullpen is good but not unbeatable, lose 1 game with a DH, which is huge.
Tex and A Rod are problematic, but limit Cano, and you have a shot.
another good game and another series win
and still another Reds bullpen blowup. Bucs take a 3-1 lead.
Cordero’s been very shakey this year; you’re also over rating the Reds
and under rating the Yankees
By the looks of it so far, it looks like the Braves will throw in Jurrjens, Minor, and Hanson for that Phillies series. Tim Hudson is scheduled for that Mets series. If we put in Hamels, Halladay, and Oswalt respectfully, the Phillies can really make some noise. The Phillies MUST put the fear in the Braves, and it would be nice to have a NL East lead prior to that Braves series. CBP will be a playoff atmosphere for that series, especially with each cheer and boo incresasing by a lot of decibels. The Braves are terrible on the road. It would be great if the Phillies gave the fans rally towels and make it a playoff like atmosphere!!
GO PHILS!! KEEP ON WINNING!!
I think its pretty apparent that the phils have the psychological edge. I think that edge started when jimmy rollins told the press what he thought of the phils chances against the mets and it was backed up, twice.
I’m still amazed at how this team has performed at the end of the year. This is the 4th time they stepped it up when the season’s finality hung in the balance.
what do you guys think of Jurrjens, Minor, and Hanson ? I havent followed the braves enough to know if they are there 1 2 3 pitchers or 3 4 5.
CBP will be a playoff atmosphere for that series, especially with each cheer and boo incresasing by a lot of decibels. >
And the Eagles a hopeless mess…
Real Rob: re: #135 = agreed
lets see if the Cards can split the series by beating Hudson.
Lohse was pretty decent for the last 1.5 to 2 years after he was gone. heck we were even talking about what it is about Dave Duncan that makes guys like Piniero and Lohse into reliable starters.
but as expected, a down year. not sure if its just due course or he lost something.
Anyone have any insight as to why Brian Bocock was recalled insteqd of Cody Rasmus?>>
I don’t think Rasmus plays SS. Correct me if I’m wrong. Bocock plays SS, which will help back up J-Roll.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/09/12/blue.jays.drabek.ap/index.html?eref=sihp
Minor, for sure, is a future 1-2. He’s pitched well, essentially straight out of college.
And he’s a lefty. I could see him being tough on us.
The other 2 are hot and cold. Hanson, for sure has a bright future ahead, but he’s got to play off the adjustments hitters have made to him since his rookie year. He’s a top of the rotation guy. He was great at the start of last year.
Can’t say anything bad about Jiair either. He can be really good when he’s on. But it’s more of a story when he’s on. Probably mid rotation long term, but will have a good career.
Most of these teams have a psychological edge to draw from. That might get a little overdone. The Braves and Reds have plenty of comeback wins to draw off of from this year to stand up to challenges. That the Phils have shown they know how to win for so long is undeniable, but the field should be filled with veteran clubs. It comes down to execution more than anything. But if the wrong player makes the wrong platy at the wrong time, of all the clubs in the crunch, it’s less likely to have an effect on us.
I don’t think Rasmus plays SS.>>
I thought he played all 3, but I don’t know that for fact. I do remember he filled in for ARod last year, definitely played 1st and 2nd here.
I don’t think Rasmus plays SS>>
Ransom, sorry, has played a good amount of shortstop, as recently as 3 times for the Yanks last year. Prinarily a 3B.
The Blue Jays called up right-hander Kyle Drabek from Double-A New Hampshire on Sunday and the prized prospect will make his major league debut at Baltimore on Wednesday.>>
That’s from the lonk Barner posted above. Good stuff, glad he’s getting the shot now. Give him something to draw off of for next year. He’s got a good shit at number 5 in a good rotation.
Colorado may get best record at this pace. That is an incredible team. Their starting pitching isn’t even very good. To think they could reel off 10 wins straight is pretty incredible.
To think they could reel off 10 wins straight is pretty incredible.>>
3 straight against the reeling Padres at Coors are next. So often, the unexpected happens, and something like the Pads winning 2 of 3 would happen. I think the train rools on with at least 2 of 3. But the Rox are still 3.5 behind us for HFA, and even discounting San Diego, who they could pass soon, they have 3 teams in front, and go on the road after Wednesday. It’ll be tough.
27-15 through 42 of the final 60 games – need to get to 37 wins. We need to go 10-8 rest of way to assure a playoff spot.
Halladay (9-3) (6-2)
Hamels (8-4) (4-4)
Oswalt (8-4) (8-1)
Blanton (6-6) (6-2)
Kendrick (6-6) (3-5)
Phillie fans are probably psyched by the 3-1 Cardinal lead. The way I figure it, if the Braves were down 4-1, maybe even 5-1, this game would be even. Loshe has a ,406 opponent batting average against the opposition with 2 outs this year. You want to stack that and the Braves comeback tendencies at more than 50-50? I wouldn’t.
Albert’s 38th multi homer game puts him at the top of the Cards list now, 1 up on Stan Musial. Awesome, awesome accomplishment at his age.
There’s that 4th Cardinal run.
5 is still not safe enough against these cats.
Rockies are bound to inevitably cool down at some point, or better said meet a team that they cant just steamrooll. at best they will make the playoffs, no more. Unless they can magically duplicate their home performance on the road.
We’re back a game up on the Braves!! Remind me to send a thank you card to the cards if the Phillies do win the NL East!!
Remind me to send a thank you card to the cards if the Phillies do win the NL East!!>>
consider yourself reminded. And at the same time, corrected. If you want to send a thank you note for 1 game, it goes to the Rockies who swept the Braves, while we were wasting time against Houston. In that 3 (4?) game sweep, the Rockies won 1 game that they trailed Atlanta, 10-1. And I’m sure a lot more thank you notes will seem appropriate as we wind down from what seems a short period of time, but still has more games left than even the discussed 18 game NFL schedule.